Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The standard format for print data is PDF in the PDF/X standard. Other file formats, such as JPG or TIF, may be possible depending on the product or by prior arrangement. Please refer to the product-specific data sheets for the corresponding specifications.

Printing is generally carried out in four-color process (CMYK: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black; abbreviated as 4C). Depending on the substrate, a specific color profile (output intent) must be used: PSO Uncoated ISO12647 (uncoated papers), ISO Coated v2 300 % (coated papers), and ISO Coated v2 (large format prints). The ICC files for the respective color profiles can be downloaded free of charge from www.eci.org.

The optimal image resolution for raster graphics in offset printing or digital printing is 300 to 400 dpi (dots per inch). At a lower resolution, the print result may appear blurred, or individual dots may be clearly visible to the naked eye. For large-format prints, the dots are less noticeable due to the generally greater viewing distance, so a lower resolution is sufficient. In such cases, a resolution of 100 to 150 dpi is usually adequate. Please consult your contact person for individual guidance.

You can send your print files up to 10 MB in size via email to your contact person. For larger data volumes, please use the data upload on our cloud server. If you do not yet have access credentials, please contact your contact person. We will be happy to set up an individual account for you. You may also send us a download link if you prefer to use your own server or an external service (e.g., iCloud, Microsoft OneDrive, WeTransfer).

With environmental marks and labels such as the Blue Angel for printed products (Der Blaue Engel, DE-UZ 195), FSC®, PEFC, or a voluntary climate contribution, you communicate your sense of responsibility and strengthen your brand image. At the same time, you differentiate your company or organization from competitors and demonstrate transparently that ecological standards and climate protection are integral parts of your corporate values.

Commission your printed product as a responsible print production with at least one of the following options:

• Blue Angel for printed products (Der Blaue Engel, DE-UZ 195)
• FSC- or PEFC-certified paper
• Voluntary financial climate contribution

Our guideline on environmental marks and product labels (PDF, German) provides further information on how to correctly apply these marks to your print products.

In our basic data check, we review the formal criteria of your print file, including PDF format, image resolution, color space, color profile, bleed, and font embedding. If deviations from the standard are found, we provide feedback and give you the opportunity to prepare and resend your print data yourself. Upon request, we can, where technically possible, perform automatic corrections and conversions to ensure the printability of your PDF file. Please note that technical limitations may result in deviations from the desired print outcome. Issues that cannot be resolved through automatic correction or conversion can, where technically possible, be prepared by us as part of our paid premium data check.

You will receive a processed proof PDF from us for print approval. Please check the PDF carefully. Printing will only commence after your written production approval.